On Friday, I was asked to go on a picnic with two classes and a few teachers. Miscommunication (1), picnic meant field trip and some light hiking. I dressed in leggings, a dress, and boots, at least I opted for the ones without a heel.
Before, I walked over to a little store to grab some cookies. I'm always without gifts, and I needed some for Mrs. Kim, who was picking me up. Miscommuncation (2), I was told Mrs. Kim would be picking me up; she was outside on the bench waiting so we could get a taxi together. Kindness (1), they had arranged for her to meet me to ensure that I arrived at the right meeting location. Kindess (2), Mrs. Kim gave me three tangerines. Korean custom (1), a gift is received and then it is often expected that a gift should be given in return. I got out my cookies and handed Mrs. Kim one and also Mrs. Cheung one. Korean custom (2), it is often considered rude if a gift is given to one person while in the presence of another, if there is no gift for the other. ReGifting (1),Mrs Cheung offered me one of the tangerines that Mrs Kim had just handed her. I said, "no thank you." I already had three! So then she offers me a drink, that she had just "asked" a student to give her. I said "no thank you" again, I mean she had just gotten it, so obviously she wanted it. She stopped after that offer, and I'm sure I offended her, but I didn't expect a gift in return, I'm not Korean!
We went to several cultural sights around Mokpo. It was interesting, and I forgot my camera, which is not suprising at this point. eh? (i'm saying eh? these days thanks to my Canadian friends) There were not many postings in English, so Mrs. Cheung explained me the significance to Korean history and culture of each place. Koreans are very proud of their culture, but not always of their history. Koreans had to fight for their independence as a country, and Mrs. Cheung informed me "they are very embarrassed" of the period when Japan controlled their country. I don't know that our definition of embarassed fits the Koreans' feelings the best, but this was the word she chose to describe their feelings. She would often explain an aspect of their culture and say much nicer than (insert either Chinese or Japanese here). Then she would look at me awaiting my reassurance that yes this is true. So, I did what any good Korean woman does, and smiled and went along with her without questioning. (insert a little sarcasm here)
We stopped in a Korean traditional house, that was functioning as a tea room/gift store, and had cold tea made from pine trees. It was incredibly sweet, and I enjoyed it. One of the male teachers was with us, and he had Mrs. Cheung translate about the medicinal qualities of the tea, it is apparently good for blood circulation. I was informed he is known as 'king of the island" that he lives on. He owns a large amount of land and farms along with teaching 6 days a week. I'm hoping to accompany him to his island someday! Kindness (3), Mrs. Kim bought me a lovely gift from the store. I hope my korean thank you, smile, and "you are very kind" was enough for a thank you, because I was out of cookies :/
At lunchtime, the teachers had brought all types of food to share. Therefore, stating a "picnic" was partially true. Fail (4,786), I had not thought to bring food specifically for lunch. During the course of lunch, students kept coming over to plead for some of the teachers' food. The teachers kept "shooing" them away. Sidenote: how Koreans stay thin, I don't know. The girls had been snacking on junk food the entire day, and ate so much food at lunch. Finally, a student brought over a tangerine for the male teacher, so he in turn gave her kimbap, and off she went to the dismay of all the other students. Regifting (2), the teacher handed to me and said "from Jeju." After all the endless eating, I could not stomach another bite. I had attempted to stop 5 bites ago, and had been shoved more chopsticks in my hand and urged to continue. Regifting (2.5) Mrs. Cheung took the tangerine from the table. Regifting (3), Mrs. Cheung gave the tangerine to a student.
I napped on the ride home, and was home by 2pm. I also was paid 20,000 won to go on a picnic with free lunch, entertaing students, kind teachers, and my regular day's pay. My life in Korea is one mess of miscommunications, kindnesses, customs, and regifting....and I love it :)
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